Section 15YL — Crimes Act 1914: Alternative arrangements for giving evidence

(1) If evidence in a proceeding from a person to whom subsection (3) applies is not to be given by means of closed-circuit television (or under Division 2A), the court: (a) must make arrangements in order to restrict contact (including visual contact) that the person may have with any defendant while giving evidence; and (b) may make arrangements in order to restrict contact (including visual contact) that the person may have with members of the public while giving evidence. (2) The arrangements may include either of the following: (a) using screens; (b) planning seating arrangements for people who have an interest in the proceeding, including: (i) the level at which they are seated; and (ii) the people in the person’s line of vision. Persons to whom these alternative arrangements apply (3) This subsection applies to the following persons: (a) for a child proceeding—a child witness; (b) for a vulnerable adult proceeding—a vulnerable adult complainant; (c) for a special witness proceeding—a special witness for whom an order under subsection 15YAB(3) is in force for this section; unless that person is at least 16 and chooses not to give evidence under the arrangements.